OMAGH FAMILIES TO MEET WITH POLICING BOARD
Omagh families to meet with Policing Board
THE Northern Ireland Policing Board is to meet with the Omagh families to discuss plans for an independent external review of the police investigations into the bombing.
The decision to agree was made when members of the board's Corporate Policy Planning and Performance Committee held a special meeting on Thursday to consider how to move forward towards an external review.
Board Chairman, Prof Sir Desmond Rea, said, "In their discussions today, board members were very mindful of the views of all those who have suffered and continue to suffer as a result of the Omagh bombing atrocity; and agreed that before taking any further action in respect of agreeing terms of reference for the review, a meeting with the Omagh families should be arranged."
Michael Gallagher, Chairman of the Omagh Support and Self Help Group, had requested the meeting and said most people were prepared to wait and see the outcome of the Ombudsman investigation.
Meanwhile, the Police Ombudsman has asked to meet the Omagh trial judge, Mr Justice Weir, to discuss his concerns about police conduct.
The request came after it emerged that one of the two police officers who admitted 'beefing up' a statement relating to the Omagh bomb investigation has been moved from their post.
A police spokesman would not confirm whether it was the scenes of crime officer Fiona Cooper or Detective Chief Inspector Philip Marshal who has been 'repositioned' within the police service. The Police Ombudsman (PONI) is investigating the conduct of the officers after they admitted to changing their statements on how evidence was gathered.
The police spokesman stated that the second officer has been allowed to remain in their post because their 'duties currently fall within the restrictions required by PONI and repositioning is not necessary." It is believed that Mr Marshall has been moved in line with the Ombudsman's recommendation that the officers be removed from operational roles.
Following the acquittal of Sean Hoey (38) of south Armagh last month on 29 counts of the murder of the victims of the Omagh bomb Mr Justice Weir launched a scathing attack at the police investigation of the atrocity. Two unborn babies were also killed in the blast although Hoey was not charged with causing their deaths.
In delivering his verdict the Crown Court judge criticised officers Cooper and Marshall's evidence and said they were guilty of a 'deliberate and calculated deception.' He went on to suggest other officers "may also have played a part in the deception."
A spokesman from the Police Ombudsman's office has confirmed their investigation into Ms Cooper and Mr Marshall's conduct had now been extended to address the possible involvement of other officers.
THE Northern Ireland Policing Board is to meet with the Omagh families to discuss plans for an independent external review of the police investigations into the bombing.
The decision to agree was made when members of the board's Corporate Policy Planning and Performance Committee held a special meeting on Thursday to consider how to move forward towards an external review.
Board Chairman, Prof Sir Desmond Rea, said, "In their discussions today, board members were very mindful of the views of all those who have suffered and continue to suffer as a result of the Omagh bombing atrocity; and agreed that before taking any further action in respect of agreeing terms of reference for the review, a meeting with the Omagh families should be arranged."
Michael Gallagher, Chairman of the Omagh Support and Self Help Group, had requested the meeting and said most people were prepared to wait and see the outcome of the Ombudsman investigation.
Meanwhile, the Police Ombudsman has asked to meet the Omagh trial judge, Mr Justice Weir, to discuss his concerns about police conduct.
The request came after it emerged that one of the two police officers who admitted 'beefing up' a statement relating to the Omagh bomb investigation has been moved from their post.
A police spokesman would not confirm whether it was the scenes of crime officer Fiona Cooper or Detective Chief Inspector Philip Marshal who has been 'repositioned' within the police service. The Police Ombudsman (PONI) is investigating the conduct of the officers after they admitted to changing their statements on how evidence was gathered.
The police spokesman stated that the second officer has been allowed to remain in their post because their 'duties currently fall within the restrictions required by PONI and repositioning is not necessary." It is believed that Mr Marshall has been moved in line with the Ombudsman's recommendation that the officers be removed from operational roles.
Following the acquittal of Sean Hoey (38) of south Armagh last month on 29 counts of the murder of the victims of the Omagh bomb Mr Justice Weir launched a scathing attack at the police investigation of the atrocity. Two unborn babies were also killed in the blast although Hoey was not charged with causing their deaths.
In delivering his verdict the Crown Court judge criticised officers Cooper and Marshall's evidence and said they were guilty of a 'deliberate and calculated deception.' He went on to suggest other officers "may also have played a part in the deception."
A spokesman from the Police Ombudsman's office has confirmed their investigation into Ms Cooper and Mr Marshall's conduct had now been extended to address the possible involvement of other officers.
Further Information
Publisher: TYRONE HERALD
Ref: TYH/061
Published Date: 21-Jan-08
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